Ask My NC Realtor about Basement Homes
Are there Basement Homes in the Raleigh area?
I get this question all the time. A lot of people assume we have basements in North Carolina. In some parts of the country, a basement is a given. People who grew up with a basement often ask, "What do people do with their stuff, if they don't have a basement?" Sometimes, even people who know nothing about basements, move here asking about basement homes.
When we moved here from Florida in 1997, we inquired about basement homes as well. At that time, we were told we could have one in our new home but, the reason there weren't very many was because they had problems with moisture. I think you can find a lot of reasons many homes here don't have basements from the topography of the soil, location of water table, demand of homebuyers, potential issues, cost to build, and more.
However, there are plenty of homes that do have basements. And, there are plenty of lots available to build basement homes on. There is an additional cost for a basement and not everyone chooses to pay that cost. If you're coming from an area where every home has a basement, the cost may be built in so you don't really see it as an additional cost. In the Triangle area with its rolling hills, you'll find some lots conducive to basement homes and other flat lots better suited for non-basement homes.
However, there's no doubt many people are drawn to basement homes. Some basements are simple unfinished spaces while others are elaborate entertaining areas. I even know of homeowners with a tall crawl space who put in a basement years after their home was complete.
If you have a family, you may see a basement as a great place to store all your stuff or a fun place for a home theater, game room, guest room, in-law suite, etc. Homeowners who don't have children may see it as one more place to clean, heat & cool, and maintain.
If you're planning to buy a home with a basement, there are a few things you should check out. Consider the type of construction, is it concrete block or poured concrete? You will probably want to have a radon test and moisture reading performed by a good home inspector. Basements with lots of windows and light tend to be preferred over darker basements.
Overall, there are a lot of basement homes in the Raleigh and Triangle area. As long as people ask for basements, you'll probably find a builder willing to build a basement home. If a basement is something you want and you can afford the additional cost; there are definitely homes in the Triangle for you. Contact your NC Realtor to help you find the one that suite your lifestyle and Enjoy!
About the Author: Carla Freund is a North Carolina Realtor® with Fonville Morisey Realty, who specializes in buyer and seller real estate services in the Research Triangle. This includes but is not limited to residential purchase & sales, corporate relocaitons, short sales, first time home buying, buying & selling of luxury homes, new construction, specialty communities, and out of area referrals. She represents clients within the cities of Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville and the surrounding Triangle areas. She is current with transactions in these areas, and very knowledgeable with the local schools and area services. Visit her active rain site at http://activerain.com/carlafreund or website at www.askmyncrealtor.com.
I'm driving to my showing with my buyers in their car right behind me. I turn the corner and a fella on his riding lawn mower looks up in our direction, smiles and waves. As we pull into the driveway, the neighbors to the west of the listed home come out of their front door on their way out for a walk, and yep, they wave as well.
